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Popular Carlisle landlord hands over the pumps after 30 years

The landlord of one of Carlisle’s oldest pubs has decided to call time after three decades behind the bar.

Harry Ross

Harry Ross and wife Patricia, the current owners of the Howard Arms, on Lowther Street, have decided to sell the popular pub and retire after nearly spending the last 30 years pulling pints.

Originally from Newcastle, 62-year-old Harry and his wife came to Carlisle 30 years ago when he fancied a career change after spending many years as an electrician.

“Me and my wife just fancied a pub so we got in touch with the Matthew Brown brewery expecting to get a little pub in the Lake District but we got offered the Howard and have been here ever since. The rest is history,” said Harry.

“After 30 years, which is a long time, I was starting to think after I turned 62 earlier this year. So I had a chat with my wife and we made the decision.”

Harry, now of Wetheral, said that he has had “too many good memories” to pinpoint one in particular but said running the pub had been a “fantastic experience”. “The customers have been brilliant and we have got a lot that came in when they were 18 and still come in now,” he said.

“They’ve had kids and their kids have had kids who also come in. We have been a very loyally supported pub.

“When we first began the first job was to try to get in a decent clientele and then we started to stock cask ales and we sell more Theakstons and never looked back.”

Reflecting on his time at the helm, he added: “I will miss it and can’t imagine what it will be like not to be here. Sad in one way but I have got to think of me and my wife.

“It will be a great miss and we leave with many happy memories. I’m just going to enjoy having some time to chill out.”

They have sold the pub to couple Stuart and Diane Marshall who have had experience in running pubs all over the country. It is expected that they will take over the running of the pub within the next month.